S.C. Code Ann. § 48-43-370: Permit required for drilling oil or gas well.

(A) The department shall require that all persons who desire to drill oil or gas wells obtain a permit for each well proposed to be drilled prior to the commencement of any drilling operations. The drilling of any well is hereby prohibited until a permit is granted by the department.

(B) No permit to drill a gas or oil well shall be granted within the corporate limits of any municipality, unless the governing authority of the municipality shall have first duly approved the issuance of such permit by resolution.

(C) No permit to drill a gas or oil well on any beach shall be granted by the department.